Spar Girona falls in Istanbul but qualifies for the semifinals 'play-in'

The Catalan team lost 67-57 against Galatasaray in the final group stage match, setting up a tough clash against Fenerbahçe.

Generic image of a professional women's basketball match in a large arena.
IA

Generic image of a professional women's basketball match in a large arena.

Spar Girona lost the final group stage match of the Women's EuroLeague against Galatasaray in Istanbul (67-57) on February 5, 2026, but the defeat does not prevent the Catalan team from advancing to the semifinals 'play-in'.

The Girona team suffered a clear defeat on the court of Galatasaray Çağdaş, which secured the victory with an initial 11-0 run (21-10) and finished the league stage with a 10-2 record. The aggressive local play, combined with perceived referee leniency, hampered Spar Girona's offense, which did not attempt its first free throws until over nine minutes into the game.
The Turkish players dominated the paint, highlighted by strong performances from Juhasz (16 points) and Kuier (16 points), who helped establish a maximum lead of 60-32. Despite a final quarter where Spar Girona managed to narrow the gap (a 7-21 run), the Catalans could not complete the comeback. Jocyte and Bibby were the top visitors' scorers, each contributing 10 points.

By qualifying for the 'play-in', Spar Girona is rewriting the history of Catalan women's basketball, securing a spot among the top six teams in the EuroLeague.

Now, the Catalan team prepares for a massive challenge: the semifinals 'play-in' against Fenerbahçe, one of the main title favorites and champions of the last two editions. Fenerbahçe, coached by Spanish national team coach Miguel Méndez, boasts a formidable roster including stars like Julie Allemand, Gaby Williams, and two-time MVP Emma Meesseman.